Arctic Ensemble’s new tent. Photo: Mikko Pirinen
- Next Article Finland speeds up permits and tightens immigration control
Contemporary circus collective Arctic Ensemble has received the 2024 Sirkus lumo award in recognition of its commitment to expanding access to circus arts across Finland and its community-oriented approach to performance.
The award, given by CircusInfo Finland, acknowledges long-term contributions to Finnish circus.
Arctic Ensemble was praised for both its high-level acrobatic skill and its initiative in purchasing a large circus tent to bring performances to new audiences nationwide.
The group, founded in 2018, includes Ada Forsberg, Anselmi Kaisanlahti, Eino Kaisanlahti, Ilkka Kemppinen, Armas Lintusaari, Orfeo Llewellyn, Pihla Ojala, Emmi Peltola, Minna Pulsa and Linnea Purontaus. Since its inception, the group has performed with Circus Finlandia, appeared on major stages in Germany, and drawn crowds in Japan.
The Sirkus lumo award jury highlighted the ensemble’s technical excellence and trademark group acrobatics, describing their work as both skilled and cohesive. The group’s long-standing collaboration and sense of community were central to the jury’s decision.
In addition to its stage work, Arctic Ensemble has created its own touring mini-festival, the Katusirkuskarnevaali, which brings circus shows to towns and villages rarely reached by professional circus companies.
In 2023, the group made a strategic investment by purchasing its own circus tent. The tent will serve as the centrepiece of a national tour set to begin in summer 2025. The jury described the move as a bold step that demonstrates both vision and deep commitment to the development of circus in Finland.
“Bringing a large tent on tour in Finnish conditions demands resilience, commitment and internal drive,” said the jury in its statement. “Arctic Ensemble has all of these.”
The group’s decision to prioritise domestic audiences, despite receiving offers abroad, was also noted as a key factor in the award. The jury said the group is actively broadening the reach of circus in Finland and creating opportunities for other professionals in the field.
The Sirkus lumo award will be formally presented at the Thalia gala in Helsinki on 24 March 2025, an event celebrating achievements in theatre, dance and circus. The jury for this year’s prize included journalists Heidi Horila, Tenka Issakainen, Nina Jääskeläinen, Emma Vainio, and was chaired by Tove Ekman, Director of CircusInfo Finland.
Arctic Ensemble. Photo: Mikko Pirinen
HT
- Next Article Finland speeds up permits and tightens immigration control
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
